metamorphic
White quartzite pebble
Quartzite; predominantly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 7 Mohs; white to light gray, vitreous to sugary luster, compact granular texture, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape and smooth surface indicate natural water abrasion or tumbling.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 7 Mohs; white to light gray, vitreous to sugary luster, compact granular texture, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape and smooth surface indicate natural water abrasion or tumbling.
Formation & geological history
Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized under heat and pressure, commonly during mountain-building; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. It commonly occurs in metamorphic belts and as durable stream or beach pebbles.
Uses & applications
Used as aggregate, road stone, landscaping material, decorative stone, and occasionally as a lapidary or jewelry material. This small rounded specimen has little commercial value.
Geological facts
Quartzite is generally harder and more resistant to weathering than its sandstone precursor. It can resemble white marble, but quartzite typically scratches glass while marble does not.
Field identification & locations
Field identification: test whether it scratches glass, look for a sugary quartz texture, and check that dilute acid produces no fizz; marble may fizz weakly. Common sources include mountain streams and glacial deposits worldwide.
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